Gum Recession & Tissue Grafting

Shalini Sethi, DDS

Periodontist located in the Greater Baltimore Area, North Bethesda, MD & Lorton, VA

About half of all Americans over 30 have periodontal disease, a severe gum infection that can lead to gum recession. Tissue grafting is one way to treat the problem; it involves surgically implanting small pieces of healthy gum tissue along the bottom of the affected tooth or teeth. To learn how this procedure can help you, visit Shalini Sethi, DDS. As a periodontic specialist, Dr. Sethi helps adults and children in Maryland reverse gum disease and prevent complications like tooth loss. For a personalized consultation, call the office or book online today.

Gum Recession & Tissue Grafting Q & A

What is gum recession?

Gum recession occurs when your gums start pulling back, exposing more of your teeth. It tends to happen gradually, and you may not even notice it at first. Receding gums are usually the result of periodontal disease, a common condition characterized by infection and inflammation in the gums.

Your dentist can easily spot gum recession during a routine teeth cleaning and might refer you to a periodontist for specialized treatment.

How does tissue grafting treat gum recession?

Gum tissue grafting is a common procedure that reverses periodontal disease and prevents tooth loss. During a typical grafting procedure, Dr. Sethi takes gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it where you have an exposed tooth or teeth.

With the new tissue in place, your teeth are better protected from bacteria and decay.

What happens during a gum tissue grafting procedure?

Dr. Sethi numbs the treatment area with a local anesthetic. Using specialized surgical instruments, she removes a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or creates a “flap” from gum tissue that’s next to the affected tooth.

If she uses tissue from the roof of your mouth, she transfers it and implants it with stitches on the tissue of your affected tooth. If she’s using a flap, she stretches and folds this tissue over the receding area and secures it surgically.

Once the procedure is over, you’ll wash your mouth with an antiseptic rinse. Dr. Sethi will discuss any special follow-up care with you, including changes to your brushing and flossing.

What results can I expect after gum tissue grafting?

You can go home almost immediately after the procedure, and your mouth should be fully healed within about 1-2 weeks. Then, you’ll return to the office for a checkup.

The gum graft procedure is simple, safe, and rarely has any complications. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene habits and follow Dr. Sethi’s aftercare instructions, you can expect a clean, healthy mouth moving forward.

To learn more about gum tissue grafting or other periodontal treatments, call Dr. Sethi for a personalized consultation or book one using the online scheduling system today.